Four men accused of planning potential attacks on Israeli, Jewish, or U.S. institutions in Germany and Europe on behalf of Hamas have gone on trial in Berlin.

The suspects, aged 34 to 57, were arrested in Berlin and the Netherlands in December 2023 and have remained in pre-trial detention since. German state prosecutors allege that the men were "foreign operatives" of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, and held key positions with direct links to its leadership.

Authorities accuse them of being members of a terrorist organization and stockpiling firearms at multiple locations in preparation for possible attacks. Investigators believe Hamas considered targeting Israeli, Jewish, or U.S. facilities in Germany and Europe following its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which led to Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza.

The trial is being conducted under heightened security, with 50 witnesses and several expert testimonies expected. The proceedings are set to continue until at least December.

Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by Germany, the United States, and the European Union, seeks the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamist state in the Middle East.